CollectionsFeb 02, 2024
Piece of the Week: ‘Twilight Garden’ Imperial Topaz RingCollectionsFeb 09, 2024
Piece of the Week: John Hardy’s Reimagined Dragon
Creative Chairman Reed Krakoff has modernized one of the brand’s most well-known motifs ahead of the Year of the Dragon.
Revelers worldwide will celebrate the Lunar New Year on Saturday, ushering in the Year of the Dragon.
Jewelry brands and designers have been rolling out their interpretations of the mythical creature since the start of the calendar year, rendering dragons in gold and silver, and setting them with diamonds and colored gemstones.
For John Hardy and its creative chairman, Reed Krakoff, archival inspiration wasn’t hard to find.
In 2007, the Bali-based brand debuted the first piece in what would become one of its most recognizable and best-selling collections, the “Naga Dragon.”
The mythical creature is sacred to the people of Bali, and symbolic of humans’ connection to nature.
As the story goes, the Naga sits atop a volcano by day, guarding the people. At night, he dives into the ocean to visit his one true love, the Pearl.
When he flies back to his volcano in the morning, the water dripping from his scales nourishes the fields.
Krakoff’s reimagining of the dragon pays homage to some of the signature elements in the original design—the use of woven chain to mimic scales and, in some pieces, the dragon biting his own tail.
But his take on Naga is sleeker and more modern without sacrificing on detail, making it tellingly Krakoff.
The new Naga Dragon collection debuted in January. Pieces are available in sterling silver or 14-karat gold, like the wrap necklace featured as our Piece of the Week.
Prices range from $495 to $14,000.
Related stories will be right here …
Jewelry brands and designers have been rolling out their interpretations of the mythical creature since the start of the calendar year, rendering dragons in gold and silver, and setting them with diamonds and colored gemstones.
For John Hardy and its creative chairman, Reed Krakoff, archival inspiration wasn’t hard to find.
In 2007, the Bali-based brand debuted the first piece in what would become one of its most recognizable and best-selling collections, the “Naga Dragon.”
John Hardy made this bracelet in 2007, the first piece in what would become the “Naga Dragon” collection. A key feature was the engineering of the dragon’s mouth “biting” on the gold ring; the mouth functions as the bracelet’s clasp.
The mythical creature is sacred to the people of Bali, and symbolic of humans’ connection to nature.
As the story goes, the Naga sits atop a volcano by day, guarding the people. At night, he dives into the ocean to visit his one true love, the Pearl.
When he flies back to his volcano in the morning, the water dripping from his scales nourishes the fields.
Krakoff’s reimagining of the dragon pays homage to some of the signature elements in the original design—the use of woven chain to mimic scales and, in some pieces, the dragon biting his own tail.
But his take on Naga is sleeker and more modern without sacrificing on detail, making it tellingly Krakoff.
The new Naga Dragon collection debuted in January. Pieces are available in sterling silver or 14-karat gold, like the wrap necklace featured as our Piece of the Week.
Prices range from $495 to $14,000.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Collections
The Latest
MajorsApr 02, 2025
Neiman Marcus’ Dallas Flagship Will Remain Open, For NowParent company Saks Global said the iconic location will be open through the holiday season as it decides what to do with the space.
SourcingApr 02, 2025
Winston’s Collection of Natural Color Diamonds Now on Display in D.C. Ronald Winston, son of Harry Winston, donated the diamonds to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C.
Policies & IssuesApr 02, 2025
Jewelers of America to Hold Webinar on TariffsThe virtual event will take place April 7 at 3 p.m.
Brought to you by
The Heart of the Industry: Giving Bench Jewelers the Recognition They DeserveBench jewelers spend years honing their skills, Jewelers of America’s Certification validates their talents.
Events & AwardsApr 02, 2025
Punchmark to Host Client WorkshopThe educational event will take place in Charlotte, North Carolina, this May.
Weekly QuizMar 27, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsApr 01, 2025
Bergman Jewelers in Omaha Closing After 137 YearsThe independent jeweler first opened its doors in 1888.
MajorsApr 01, 2025
QVC Group to Cut 900 Jobs in the U.S.The layoffs come amid the TV shopping channel’s efforts to restructure and focus on live shopping through social media.
Brought to you by
Natural Diamonds Should Mean MoreNatural diamonds mean more than lab-grown, but when every cut is ideal, they all look the same. Customers want more—Facets of Fire delivers.
Events & AwardsApr 01, 2025
U.S. Antique Shows Adds Fall Show in FloridaThe debut event will take place in Miami’s Coconut Grove neighborhood this fall.
Events & AwardsApr 01, 2025
TJS to Host Discussion on Jewelry Industry’s Labor ShortageThe roundtable will take place May 17 ahead of the trade show’s welcome dinner.
Recorded WebinarsMar 31, 2025
Watch: What Do We Mean When We Say ‘Recycled’ Gold?Three industry experts dive into the complexities of the material often marketed as an “ethical” alternative for metal in jewelry.
TrendsMar 31, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Dripping in DiamondsDiamonds are not only one of the most prominent gemstones, but the birthstone for those born in April.
MajorsMar 31, 2025
Lashbrook Expands Into Luxury Golf Gifts With AcquisitionThe Utah-based company known for making wedding bands has acquired Doubloon Golf.
WatchesMar 31, 2025
Bulgari CEO Jean-Christophe Babin Will Also Head LVMH WatchesThe longtime luxury executive led one of LVMH’s watch brands, TAG Heuer, for 12 years before taking over Bulgari in 2013.
CrimeMar 28, 2025
2 Suspects Arrested in $1.7M Smash-and-Grab Robbery of NY Jewelry StoreAuthorities said the robbers fled with jewelry and 70 Rolex watches, later taking pictures of themselves posing with big stacks of cash.
SourcingMar 28, 2025
19th-Century Jade Book Now Available in EnglishLotus Gemology founder Richard W. Hughes has translated Heinrich Fischer’s 1880 book “Nephrit und Jadeit” from its original German.
CollectionsMar 28, 2025
Piece of the Week: Löf’s ‘The Valentine’ RingThe ring's design features contrasting lines influenced by work from architecture-inspired photographer Nikola Olic.
SurveysMar 27, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls in March Amid ‘Gloomy’ OutlookThe Conference Board’s index fell as consumers continued to worry about the impact of tariffs, the labor market, and the price of eggs.
AuctionsMar 27, 2025
300-Year-Old Ring Linked to Witch Trial Judge Goes Unsold at Auction However, two medieval jewels surpassed estimates at Noonans Mayfair’s recent jewelry auction in London.
WatchesMar 27, 2025
Austin Butler Joins Breitling as Brand AmbassadorThe Oscar-nominated actor debuted in the campaign for the new “Top Time B31” collection, which introduced Breitling’s Caliber B31.
SourcingMar 27, 2025
Susan Jacques, Gaetano Cavalieri to Headline 2025 ICA Congress The Congress is scheduled to take place May 19-22 in Brasilia, Brazil.
IndependentsMar 26, 2025
Bailey’s Fine Jewelry Acquires Fellow NC Independent JewelerThe family-owned retailer is the new owner of Morrison Smith Jewelers in Charlotte, North Carolina.
WatchesMar 26, 2025
Bulova Celebrates 150th Anniversary With Art Deco WatchesThe “150 Art Deco” collection features a Miss America timepiece and a pocket watch from the brand’s Archive Series.
MajorsMar 26, 2025
QVC Group Appoints New PresidentAlex Wellen, formerly CEO and president of MotorTrend Group, has taken on the role.
Events & AwardsMar 26, 2025
Jewelers of America Announces New Funding Initiative The Impact Initiative is part of the nonprofit association’s new three-year strategic plan.
AuctionsMar 25, 2025
Christie’s To Auction 35-Carat Sapphire, 13-Carat RubyThe ruby and the sapphire, which Christie’s calls a “once-in-a-generation masterpiece,” are part of the upcoming Hong Kong jewelry auction.
CrimeMar 25, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Earrings Swallowed Following Grab-and-Run Theft RecoveredThe two pairs of earrings, snatched from a Tiffany & Co. store in Orlando, Florida, are valued at a combined $769,500.
